Amid continuous funding obstacles at the state level, the Fayette County

School System has managed to handle this growth while remaining one of the

most highly regarded systems in the state. Students' test scores and

teachers' awards consistently bear that out.

But facilities and technology need constant attention, and revenues are

just not keeping up, which is why the Fayette County Board of Education has

approved a referendum on the Nov. 2 ballot for a bond issue.

Nobody wants a tax increase, and the bond measure appears to be the best

way to fund these critical needs without raising the millage.

Should the referendum pass, the school system could reap $65 million for

a host of renovations and upgrades at nearly every school in the county,

not to mention construction costs for two new elementary schools and a middle

school plus the acquisition of three new sites for future use, and technology

improvements throughout the county.

The law puts strict controls on how bond money can be spent. In this case,

only the facility and technology upgrades mentioned above and in detail on

the school board's Web site (www.fcboe.org) can benefit from these funds.

And these bonds will not be purchased until they are needed, according to

the school system.

Should projected growth continue for the next seven years, the increased

tax base could repay the entire amount before any interest comes due.

These new students are coming regardless of how this referendum does at

the polls next week. The school system will have to find the necessary revenue

somewhere, and if not from bonds, the next obvious choice is raising property

taxes.

The school board will always be playing defense. Voters in Fayette County

have a great opportunity next week to ensure that the schools have the provisions

they need to serve all students, including the newest ones, and retain their

reputation as the best in Georgia.

The Citizen is recommending that you vote YES on the school bond referendum

next Tuesday.